Trump Edges Toward Military Action on Iran as Diplomacy Wears Thin

President Donald Trump is reportedly increasingly open to using U.S. military power against Iran’s nuclear facilities, signaling a shift away from diplomacy in favor of direct confrontation, sources told CNN. While he hasn’t closed the door on negotiations entirely, officials say Trump’s patience is fading fast.

Trump’s change in tone comes amid rising tension between Israel and Iran, triggered by Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. Although his administration had previously pushed for diplomacy through intermediaries like Oman, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye, those backchannel efforts have yet to produce results.

Trump: “I’m Not in the Mood to Negotiate”

Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate with Iran,” emphasizing that what he wants is “a real end, not a ceasefire.” On Truth Social, he further escalated his rhetoric by demanding Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER” and hinted at intelligence tracking Iran’s Supreme Leader, though noted the U.S. would not “take him out—at least not for now.”

U.S. Refueling Support Signals Possible Military Involvement

According to two officials familiar with the discussions, more than 30 U.S. aerial refueling tankers have recently been deployed to the Middle East, in preparation for potential military cooperation with Israel. The tankers could assist Israeli fighter jets in operations over Iranian airspace. While this would be on the lower end of U.S. involvement, it gives the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) flexibility to escalate if needed—including joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.

White House Meeting Hints at Strategic Shift

After returning early from the G7 Summit, Trump convened his national security team in the White House Situation Room. Sources say Israel is actively lobbying for U.S. military support in dismantling Iran’s nuclear program—support that would likely require American weapons, aircraft, and refueling capacity.

An Israeli source noted growing optimism in Tel Aviv that Trump would greenlight a joint military operation, although an official decision has yet to be announced.

JD Vance: The Decision Belongs to Trump

Vice President JD Vance added to speculation by posting on X that Trump “may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment,” affirming that the decision rests solely with the president. Vance also addressed concerns from conservative voters wary of foreign intervention, noting the U.S. must avoid repeating mistakes of the past 25 years.

“We Have Total Control of Iran’s Skies”

Trump’s tone grew more combative throughout Tuesday. In another social media post, he wrote, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” boasting of American technological superiority. In a separate post, he mentioned U.S. intelligence had pinpointed the Supreme Leader’s location.

Talks Falter as Iran Denies Knowledge of Diplomacy

Despite early efforts by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff to organize a last-minute meeting with Iranian officials, Tehran’s Foreign Ministry told CNN it had not been informed of any planned discussions. Regional diplomats say multiple nations are working behind the scenes, but progress remains stalled.

Trump’s recent directive urging residents of Tehran to evacuate reflects a growing anticipation of possible conflict. While it remains uncertain whether he will ultimately authorize strikes, the window for diplomacy appears to be closing, and military “options” are firmly on the table.